A late creation by area standards, Bergisch Gladbach was founded in 1856 as a city district comprising several smaller (and older) towns, with a total population of about 105,000. The 10th-century St. Johann Baptist Church at Refrath is Bergisch Gladbach's oldest building. The Bensberg Rathaus (or town hall, nicknamed "Affenfelsen," or Monkey Rock) is a nationally known tourist attraction. Schloss Bensberg and Schloss Lerbach, both former castles, are now among Germany's top luxury hotels.

Standing about 10 miles southwest of Stuttgart and now known mostly as an automobile industry center (especially for DaimlerChrysler and Smart), Sindelfingen has a long history, some of which can still be witnessed firsthand. The Romanesque St. Martin’s Church dates from the 11th century, while the old Rathaus (city hall) is now the municipal museum. Other Altstadt (old town) sites include the unique Schwätzweiber (gossiping women) statue and the Fachwerkhäusern (half timbered houses).

Everyone who visits Paris for the first time probably has the same punchlist of major attractions to hit: The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower, etc. Just make sure you leave some time to wander the city’s grand boulevards and eat in as many cafes, bistros and brasseries as possible. And don’t forget the shopping—whether your tastes run to Louis Vuitton or Les Puces (the flea market), you can find it here.

From Shoreditch’s swaggering style to Camden’s punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. The city’s energy means that no two days are the same. Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred restaurants, enjoy a pint in a traditional pub, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across – when it comes to London, the possibilities are endless.

The Welsh capital may have begun its life as a Roman fort, but it's since become a bustling city. Where the fort once stood, Cardiff Castle has held court since the 11th century. It remains a central presence in the city, now full of lively art and music venues, hip boutiques, fun bars and modern hotels. Even with so many new and exciting things to see, the National History Museum is still the most visited attraction in Wales. Don't be the only visitor who plays hooky!

It’s nicknamed the Eternal City for a reason. In Rome, you can drink from a street fountain fed by an ancient aqueduct. Or see the same profile on a statue in the Capitoline Museum and the guy making your cappuccino. (Which, of course, you know never to order after 11 am.) Rome is also a city of contrasts—what other place on earth could be home to both the Vatican and La Dolce Vita?

Set on Spain's Costa del Azahar, the fortified city of Peniscola features sprawling Mediterranean beaches and an old town surrounded by medieval castle walls. Cobbled streets wind past museums, restaurants, and white-washed houses, while a nearby nature reserve boasts miles of pristine countryside.